FTR optimistic about US trucking in 2017

According to US research company FTR, the US road freight market is set to bounce back from a slow start of the year as 2017 progresses.

“January will be the low point for trucking conditions ahead of an expected bounce [later in the year],” the company said.

“The election results have put the industry in an optimistic mood, however, FTR cautions that there are risks associated with some economic proposals being considered by the new administration and congress.”

Jonathan Starks, Chief Operating Officer at FTR, added, “this late recovery is consumer driven, which is relatively light on increasing freight demand, but we will see modest growth.

“More importantly, the industry is really beginning to face up to the costs and changes from ELD implementation. We expect a productivity and capacity hit to the industry, though the effects will be felt differently, with early adopters ahead of the curve.”

While Starks said FTR was “closely tracking government policies and actions” as concerns of trade wars linger, he explained that overall, “it’s looking like 2017 will be a better year for the trucking industry.”